Performance Friction FAQ

Motorsport

If the discs were previously being used with Performance Friction pads, then the bedding procedure will be achieved quickly with new PFC pads. If the discs were previously bedded using a different manufacturer's pads then the process will take slightly longer. Again, with brake cooling ducts open and fully functional, perform the following procedures.

1. On the first lap, perform several "deceleration events" with progressively higher pedal pressure and braking force and from higher speeds. You will feel the effectiveness of the brakes increase with each successive brake application. This should take 6 to 10 "deceleration events" per lap and is usually completed in one or two laps. If non-PFC friction materials were previously run on the discs then this procedure could take as many as three to five laps. This is because the non-PFC friction material transfer layer must first be cleaned from the disc and then a fresh layer must be imparted to the disc.
2. Running additional laps is the best way to accomplish the new transfer layer and, due to the higher surface temperatures, will assure a complete removal of the old friction materials from the disc. Braking effectiveness should be excellent at this point and the car can be driven normally.

NOTE: Sanding/machine grinding the discs will not decrease the bedding time. Whenever new Performance Friction pads are installed, the pads require very little cool down time. Usually the time spent taking tire temperatures and a debriefing with the driver is sufficient.

Still having trouble after bedding in your brakes? see below common problems and solutions below;

• Vibration
  • Check for a warped disc
  • Un-even transfer layer
• Not Stopping Effectivly
  • Pad could be glazed
  • Not an even or enough of a transfer layer yet - continue bedding

Ensure that the brake discs are clean and free of grease or other contaminants.

Once the discs and pads are installed, perform the following procedure with brake cooling ducts fully open and functional - no tape!  Best results are achieved using new Performance Friction brake pads.  It is not necessary to bed in new PFC discs with used PFC pads.

1. On the first lap, perform several snubs with progressively higher pedal pressure and braking force and from higher speeds.  You will feel the effectiveness of the brakes increase with each successive snub.  This should take six to ten brake snubs per lap and is typically completed in one or two laps.  As soon as the brakes become firm and responsive the car can be driven normally and at increased speeds.
2. Running the car at speed for one or two more laps with allow the disc to achieve the desired core temperature.  If three-colour rotor paints are used, the green paint should be fully oxidized and the orange paint beginning to oxidize to white.  A transfer layer of pad material will deposit on the disc; this is the slate gray colouration on the disc friction surface.  This is a good indication that the disc and pads have been bedded properly.

NOTE:  When using discs from manufacturers other than Performance Friction it will be necessary to allow the discs to cool to ambient temperature to achieve satisfactory disc life and performance.  Performance Friction discs do not need this cool down period, due to extensive heat-treating processes at the time of manufacture.